[Indian Polity] Status of Jammu & Kashmir - Indian Polity Study Materials for TNPSC

Status of Jammu & Kashmir

The State of Jammu and kashmir has more autonomy and power when compared with other Indian states. It is due to the historical events that happened in the 1947 followed by the instrument of accession signed between India and Jammu and Kashmir.

Historical Background

1. During the independence of India on 15 August, 1947. Jammu and Kashmir also became independent.
2. At that time the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir was Maharaja Hari Singh.
3. He wanted Jammu and Kashmir to be an Independent nation and thus decided not to join either India and Pakistan.
4. But on 20th October 1947, Azad Kashmir forces supported by the pakistan army launched its attack on the frontiers of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. At that time Jammu and Kasmir has not enough army power to resist the attack.
6. So, Maharaja Hari Singh decided to ask help from the Governor general of India Mountbattern.
7. Mountbattern accepted to help Jammu and kashmir on the condition of Instrument of accession.
8. Thus, on 26 October 1947, the Instrument of Accession was signed between Jawaharlal Nehru and Maharaja Hari sign.
9. As per the Instrument of accession the Jammu and Kashmir surrendered the following subjects to India.
• Defence, External affairs and Communications 

Important Facts to Remember

Jammu and Kashmir

1. The Article 370 of the Indian Constitution provide the special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
2. The Article 1 describes JK as a constituent state and its territory as on 15th August 1947 forms a part of Indian territory.
3. The Ariticle 370 is in the Part XXI (21) of the Indian Constitution and came to effect on 17 Nov 1952.
4. Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India having a separate state constitution.
5. Contituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir
• election was held on the basis of adult franchise in  Sept- Oct 1951.
• First Meeting of Contituent Assembly of JK - 31 Oct 1951
• The constitution of JK was adopted - 17 Nov 1956
• The Constitution of JK came to force - 26 Jan 1957.
6. The tenure of JK Legislative assembly is - 6 Years
7. The tenure of Governor of JK is - 5 years
8. Official Language - Urdu
9. The Governor's Rule was imposed for the first time in 1977.
10. The President's Rule was imposed for the first time in 1986.
11. The right to property is still guaranteed as a fundamental right in JK.
12. The High court of JK can issue writs only for the enforcement of Fundamental rights but other state high courts can also issue writs for other purposes too.

For More TNPSC Indian Polity Study Materials